A chance encounter on a canal bridge results in a series of twilight
rendezvous between a lonely city transplant (Marcello Mastroianni) and a
sheltered woman (Maria Schell) haunted by a lover’s promise. Their hesitant
courtship soon entangles both of them in a web of longing and self-delusion.
Adapted from the Fyodor Dostoyevsky short story, director Luchino Visconti’s
Le notti bianche—shot in ravishing black and white—is a romantic, shattering
tale of the restlessness of dreamers.

In comparison to
the Region 2- PAL Cristaldi release (reviewed HERE) - the Criterion seems on par
with the fine image perhaps being slightly cropped on top and bottom,
but maintaining the fine contrast and possibly appearing minutely
sharper. The Cristaldi released may have some very minor contrast
boosting.

Certainly this
is an image though (and film) worth bragging over. Criterion have
maintained the very dark atmosphere of the film and loaded their package
up with some decent extras. I don't know too many who
will listen to Dostoyevsky's short story (audio) but it is available if
desired. The interviews and screen tests reels are quite enchanting
seeing what a beauty Maria Schell was. Subtitles are excellent as is the
original mono track - no complaints there. Overall this stands as
another grand Criterion effort most worthy of owning and keeping. we
recommend!out
of